HOLY SPIRIT (Part-10)
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
– Difference between gifts of the Spirit and fruit of the Spirit:
– Gifts (are divided among believers).
– Fruit (should be evident in all believers – this is God’s expectation).
– The idea here is that we should ‘bear fruit’ through the ‘use of our gifts’.
Question:
How?
– (Colossians 3:5)
Thrust out sin in our own lives.
That means we will no longer ‘play around’ with some ‘pet’ sin,
but we will ‘put to death’ every sin that tries to control us.
It means that we have decided to ‘get serious’ about
our life as a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ,
so that when He returns, we won’t hear Him say to us,
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.
Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:23)
– (Colossians 3:12-17)
We allow the Holy Spirit to live in us
and control our thoughts and actions.
It means we have decided to return to our ‘first love’
when we were given a pardon through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Note:
Without the Spirit, we are filled with all kinds
of self-centered and self-seeking desires which
are often in opposition to God’s Will for our lives.
We find ourselves seeking what pleases us,
instead of what pleases God.
We have failed to discover how we can find new pleasures,
by enjoying what pleases God (His desires can be united
with our desires whenever we ‘toss aside’ our selfishness).
– Question:
How does the Fruit grow?
– (Psalm 1:2-3)
Spiritual fruit is related to
the place the Word of God has in our lives.
Note:
Apart from the Word of God, we will fail to grow
spiritually and as a result, we
will not produce spiritual fruit.
– (John 15:1-5 (4, 5))
“abide in Me”
– We should develop a close, intimate
relationship with Christ (with nothing between us).
Note:
Bible study, prayer, and fellowship
with other Christians are all important disciplines.
“apart from Me, you can do nothing”
– We may be able to use our gifts when we are out of fellowship
with Christ, but we cannot expect our efforts to be fruitful.
Note:
The secret to abiding in Him is ‘obedience’.
We cannot hold on to sin with one hand
and hold His hand with the other (that’s hypocrisy).
– Question:
How does the branch of a plant produce fruit?
– It doesn’t. It depends on (abides in) the roots
to provide the necessary nourishment.
Jesus Christ is our ‘root’.
– (Galatians 5:22-23)
Although there is one Fruit of the Spirit, there are many parts.
When we read Paul’s letter to the Galatians,
we discover some of the parts of “the Fruit of the Spirit”.
– Love:
(John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:14, Romans 13:8, 1 Peter 4:8)
– (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Love is greater than anything we can say, do, possess, or give.
– (Luke 10:25-37)
We should love as the Good Samaritan loved.
– (1 John 3:18)
Our love should be active.
When we think of ‘active’, we need to think about
our own actions that have shown love toward others.
Additionally, how often do we think about doing
or saying something that will show love to someone
else (and then do or say them)?
– (John 3:16) Look at the depth of God’s love.
– (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a) Explains the characteristics of love.
– Joy:
– (John 15:9-11) We can see how joy is tied to love.
– (Nehemiah 8:10)
In the Old Testament, we see that joy is provided from God.
– (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
In the New Testament, joy is provided from a spiritual source.
– The Spirit can provide a type of joy that lifts us above our circumstances.
We can still have joy in the midst of trying situations.
Our situation may not improve, but our ability to cope with it will.
As an example, let’s assume someone has treated us unkindly,
or let’s assume a child or other family member
has estranged themselves from us.
We may not be able to reconnect with them,
but we can still love them, be concerned about their
welfare (and spiritual condition), and pray for them.
– Peace:
– (Isaiah 26:3)
Peace depends on our relationship with God.
When we trust Him, it opens the door to peace in our lives.
– (John 14:27) Peace comes from the Lord.
Note:
Look at the two enemies of peace (worry and fear).
– A peaceful relationship with God
makes it easier to be at peace in the world.
– With peace, there is hope; without it, there is worry and fear.
(Romans 15:13)
Paul realized the connection between hope, joy, peace, and power.
– Patience:
– From a Greek word meaning,
“steadfastness under provocation” (long-suffering).
– To be able to endure ill-treatment without anger or retaliation (revenge).
– Patience is a very good sign that the Holy Spirit is in control of our life
(lack of patience should cause us to question who is in control).
– (Colossians 1:9-12)
Paul points out the importance of our relationship
with the Lord in order to gain endurance and patience.
– (James 1:2-3)
We may face trials
in order to strengthen our patience and perseverance.
Note:
(2 Corinthians 4:17, Psalm 30:5b)
“Weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Implies trials may be brief.
To us, our trials may seem to last for way too long, but considering
the brevity of life, and the fact that God is involved in our lives,
it can be considered a brief time on his timetable.
– Developing patience:
– Proverbs 16:32
It is better to be patient than powerful.
It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.
– Proverbs 19:2
Impatience will get us into trouble,
but when our desires are influenced by the knowledge
of God’s Word, we are on the right track toward goodness.
– God’s part: He provides the circumstances.
There can be four kinds of opportunities:
– Interruptions (Matthew 19:1-15)
– Inconveniences (Luke 10:38-42)
– Irritations (Numbers 20:2-12)
Note:
Irritations bring out the best, or the least in us.
– Inactivity (Job 14:1-14)
– Our part: Responding positively.
– Discover a bigger perspective
(learn to look at things from the viewpoint of others).
Proverbs 19:11
– Wisdom is what contributes to our patience.
We glorify the Lord whenever we overlook an offense.
(it doesn’t mean we accept or approve the offense,
but it means that we do not fuel the problem by reacting
“in the natural”, but instead we choose to react as Jesus would).
Proverbs 14:29
– Patience helps us to develop a greater understanding,
But impatience causes us to fall into temptations and sin.
– Develop a sense of humor (humor is an anecdote to anxiety).
Proverbs 14:30 – A relaxed attitude lengthens a person’s life.
Psalm 2:4 – The one enthroned in Heaven laughs.
– Deepen our love.
1 Corinthians 13:4 – Love gives us the ability to be patient.
Ephesians 4:2
– Love helps us to be patient with each other, and to tolerate
the faults of those around us (even when they are unreasonable).
– Depend on the power of Jesus.
Colossians 1:11
– His glorious might strengthens us and gives us ample power
to cope with whatever comes with fortitude, patience and joy.
2 Peter 3:15
– Remember the Lord’s patience gives us
the opportunity to be saved (patience is
important in the life of every believer).
– When to be patient (James 5:7-12):
– When circumstances are uncontrollable.
James 5:7
– The farmer cannot control the weather, but he patiently
does what he needs to do in order to reap a harvest.
– When people are unchangeable.
James 5:10
– The prophets were patient in the midst of suffering
when the people were not changed by hearing the gospel.
– When problems are unexplainable.
James 5:11
– Job was bountifully blessed as a result of his patience even
when he faced many troubles which came one after the other.
He discovered the compassion and mercy of a loving god.
– Why be patient? (James 5:7-12)
– Because God is in control.
James 5:8
– We can be patient and stand firm,
because we know that the Lord’s coming is near
It reminds us that God is in control so that
we can ‘rest our hearts’ even if some things seem uncertain.
– Because God’s purpose is greater than my situation;
His timing is perfect; He rewards patience.
James5:11a
– We should rejoice whenever we can persevere with patience
whenever others treat us in an unkindly manner.
Why should we rejoice?
Because we know our correct reactions to their abuse
will add to our rewards in Heaven!
Note:
Anyone in a physical abusive relationship needs
to leave that situation for safety, but they can still
pray for, and forgive the other person (from a distance).
– Because God is working it out.
God’s delays are not God’s denials.
James 5:11b
– God showed full mercy and compassion on Job,
but not immediately (it was after a season of suffering).
– What to do while we are waiting on God: (James 5:7-12)
– Wait expectantly (James 5:7)
Psalm 130:5
– The Psalmist waited expectantly,
because he “trusted” the Lord and His promises.
Isaiah 49:23
– No one who patiently
waits on the Lord’s help will be disappointed.
– Wait quietly: (James 5:9)
Lamentations 3:26
– Rather than demand salvation from the Lord,
we show good faith and hope when we wait
quietly for Him to give us His gift of salvation.
Habakkuk 2:3
– Some things won’t happen right away and
our grumbling and complaining will not
cause them to come any faster.
Although His timetable is different than ours,
slowly, steadily, and surely, He will answer our prayers.
If it seems slow, we should not despair,
for realize that His ‘things’ will surely come to pass.
We just need to be patient and realize
they will not be overdue a single day.
– Wait confidently. (James 5:11b)
Micah 7:7
– We need to be confident that when we pray, and know
that the Lord hears our prayers and He WILL answer
in His time and in His own way.
– Question:
What can we do to strengthen our patience?
– (Romans 12:12) Pray faithfully.
Question:
When should we pray?
– Always, but especially when our patience is being tested.
– Kindness (or gentleness):
– From a Greek word referring to the kindness that pervades and
penetrates the whole nature; gentleness washes away all that is harsh.
– Jesus was considered a gentle person;
His followers performed acts of gentleness and kindness.
– (Psalm 18:32-36) The gentleness and care of God.
– (2 Corinthians 10:1-6) Refers to the gentleness and concern of Christ.
– (Galatians 5:22-23) Refers to the gentleness of the Holy Spirit.
– Its easy to be impatient or harsh toward those who have failed in life;
but the Bible teaches us otherwise (to respond with loving kindness).
Note:
Without gentleness, our actions could have a negative
effect on sinners who are on the verge of repentance.
– (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
Paul reminded Timothy of the responsibilities of Christians.
– Gentleness is a sign of strength, not weakness.
– Goodness:
– Derived from a Greek word referring to that quality
found in the person who is ruled by what is good and
has a goal of doing good things.
It refers to that which represents
the highest moral and ethical values.
– (Ephesians 5:9)
Paul refers to goodness (a reflection of the Holy Spirit).
– (Romans 15:14)
Paul commends the church in Rome for having these qualities.
– Goodness is love in action:
– It carries with it the idea
of righteousness demonstrated in everyday living.
– It is doing good out of a good heart,
to please God without expecting medals or rewards.
– (Hosea 6:4)
We need goodness to become a way of life for us;
not something that is counterfeit,
or only appearing in brief moments.
– Faithfulness:
– (Matthew 25:21)
It is a story about the talents that were given to the 3 servants.
Faith is not a matter of magnitude, but of quality;
right is right and wrong is wrong in small things
as well as big things.
– (2 Peter 2:21-22)
Peter contrasts those who walk faithfully with God,
with those who become entangled again
with the pollution of the world.
– (3 John 1:3-4) Gaius commended for his faithfulness.
– (3 John 1:12) Demetrius is described as true to his faith.
– Lack of faithfulness is a sign of spiritual immaturity
(meaning a refusal to accept the responsibilities that are
a part of being a Christian, which in itself is unfaithfulness).
Conversely, when we are obedient and accept
the responsibilities God has given us, we are
counted as spiritually mature, faithful Christians.
– The growth of our maturity can be “stunted” because
we refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to control all areas of our lives.
Note:
Our faithful obedience to let God the Holy Spirit remove
any vile habit or developing infection should be immediate.
– Another detriment to our growth is impatience;
we can become impatient when we discover
that it takes so long to become Christlike.
Note:
We need to be patient and faithful;
becoming Christlike is worth waiting for
(even the process of “becoming” has its own rewards).
– (Hebrews 11:8-10)
A good example of faithfulness;
the Bible has many more including all of Hebrews 11.
– (1 Corinthians 3:9-17)
Paul indicates that faithfulness
will be the basis on which God renders judgment.
Note:
The Bible indicates a number of judgments at the end of time;
one of these is called the judgment seat of Christ.
Someday all Christians will stand before Jesus Christ to give
an account of the works we have done since our conversion.
We will be judged, not on the basis of how successful
we were in the eyes of the world, but on how faithful
we were in the place God put us.
– Sometimes the greatest test of our faithfulness is how much
time we spend reading the Scriptures, praying, and living
righteously when we have been blessed with prosperity.
– Biblical warnings (Revelation 3:17, 1 Timothy 6:9-10)
– (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
No matter what failures he had, and how he fell short of
perfection, Paul knew he had been faithful to the Lord to the end.
– (Revelation 2:10) The ultimate reward for faithfulness.
– Gentleness:
– From a Greek word meaning,
“mild; mildness when dealing with others”.
– (Matthew 5:5) Jesus speaks highly of those with a gentle spirit.
– Gentleness does not mean spiritless and timid;
it means being tamed,
(like a wild horse that has been brought under control).
– Peter was a rough and ready character until he was tamed by
the Holy Spirit; then all of his energy was used to glorify God.
– Moses was called the meekest of men;
prior to God’s special call, he was an unbroken,
high-spirited man who needed forty years in the
desert to be brought fully under God’s control.
– Meekness is power, strength, spirit,
and wildness under control.
– Gentleness has a sensitive regard for others;
it is a quiet strength that confounds
those who think of it as weakness.
– (Isaiah 53:7) The gentleness (meekness) of Jesus is described.
– When we are gentle and meek, we are at peace
with our power, so we do not use it arrogantly, or hurtfully.
– (Matthew 11:29) Jesus set the example for gentleness.
– Question:
How do we apply gentleness to ourselves?
– We do not rise up defensively when our feelings are ruffled.
– (Romans 12:3, 10)
We do not seek to be recognized
and highly regarded, or to be considered the voice of authority.
Note:
We may never be respected as voices of authority;
we may never gain the praise of the world;
we may never be in a position of power;
but according to Matthew 5:5, we will one day inherit the earth.
– Self-control:
– From a Greek word meaning strong, having mastery,
and able to control one’s thoughts and actions.
– Lack of self-control has brought about
the fall of some of those in positions of power.
– Lack of self-control springs from two areas:
1. Physical appetite.
2. Mental habits (Romans 8:5).
– Some areas where there is a lack of self-control:
Alcohol. Gluttony. Unkindness. Gossip.
Pride. Jealousy. Sex. Gambling.
Greed. Shopping. Anger (Proverbs 16:32).
– Self-control allows us to have hope in the face of defeat.
– (Proverbs 25:28)
Old Testament emphasizes the importance of having self-control.
– (1 Corinthians 9:25)
New Testament emphasizes the importance of having self-control.
BREAD FOR BELIEVERS 
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